Disposable plastic water bottles are the bane of my existence. I pick up empties on hikes, in the city, around the school where I teach…. There are SO many better options. I installed a bottle filling station at my school to at least try to teach that to my students. For emergencies like tornados, hurricanes, etc, ok. But provide recycling boxes, too. Places like Flint, Michigan where the water is not potable, yes, it’s a good temporary fix. BUT FIX THE WATER PROBLEM!
I pronounce “Wednesday” as “Wed-nez-day.” I also pronounce “Information” as “inform-ay-tie-on” just to annoy my students. It only annoys my high-achieving students, however. The others have their earbuds in.
A school nurse I know said that 75% of the freshman class there failed their hearing tests. She now has to retest all of them, but it has to be after an hour of zero headphone/earbud use. Even those who survive their lack of situational awareness will suffer from lifelong tinnitus and hearing loss.
A school year is traditionally 180 days. Teachers typically put in more with professional development and in-service days. I teach 4 classes and I’ve been the maintenance supervisor in the school for the last two years. We have a small staff and it’s difficult enough to keep our 100+ year old building functioning and sanitary, let alone looking loved. Over the summer, we hire help (students, faculty, etc) to deep clean carpets and tile floors, paint, do upgrades in classrooms…. I spent a lot of time at school this summer taking care of the things I couldn’t do during the school year. Many teachers get summer jobs to supplement income anyway (especially Catholic school teachers like me). This worked out really well for me and both of my college kids.
Not yet. Just found out she helped to blaze the Buckeye Trail here in my home state. I’ve been on quite a few sections of the BT. Looking forward to hiking many more.
Emma (Grandma) Gatewood thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail at the age of 67 wearing Keds and carrying a denim bag thrown over her shoulder packed with some clothes, some food, and a shower curtain. That was just the first time of three. It’s amazing what humans can do when we set our minds to something. The JMT is on my bucket list.
Disposable plastic water bottles are the bane of my existence. I pick up empties on hikes, in the city, around the school where I teach…. There are SO many better options. I installed a bottle filling station at my school to at least try to teach that to my students. For emergencies like tornados, hurricanes, etc, ok. But provide recycling boxes, too. Places like Flint, Michigan where the water is not potable, yes, it’s a good temporary fix. BUT FIX THE WATER PROBLEM!